Arthur Zang is a Cameroonian engineer and entrepreneur whose work has fundamentally altered the landscape of cardiac care in sub-Saharan Africa. By merging telecommunications with medical diagnostics, he is providing a “digital bridge” for patients who previously had no access to life-saving heart specialists.
Early Life and Education
Arthur Zang was born on 26 November 1987, in Mbalmayo, Cameroon, a town located south of the capital. Growing up with a keen interest in technology, he pursued his higher education at the University of Yaoundé I.
It was during his studies at the Polytechnic School of Yaoundé—where he earned a Master’s degree in Computer Science—that he began the research that would define his career. His academic focus wasn’t purely theoretical: he spent significant time interning at local hospitals, where he witnessed the dire shortage of cardiologists firsthand.
The Invention of the CardioPad
Zang’s signature achievement is the CardioPad, recognized as the first medical tablet made in Africa. The device was born out of a specific logistical nightmare: in 2010, Cameroon had fewer than 50 cardiologists for a population of over 20 million, most of whom lived in rural areas.
Key Features of the Invention:
- The Interface: A touch-screen tablet that allows a non-specialist technician to perform an electrocardiogram (ECG) in any remote village.
- Data Portability: The heart’s electrical signals are converted into a digital file and transmitted via mobile networks to a specialist in an urban centre.
- Adaptability: The device is built to withstand tropical climates and includes a long-lasting battery to counter frequent power outages.
Overcoming Obstacles
Zang’s path to success has been a masterclass in self-reliance. When he couldn’t find a mentor in Cameroon to help with the complex mathematical algorithms required for cardiac signal processing, he took to the internet. He used open-source platforms and online courses to teach himself the necessary physics and programming.
To bring the project to life, he founded his company, Himore Medical. His persistence eventually caught the eye of the global community, leading to several accolades:
- Rolex Award for Enterprise (2014): Providing the capital to refine his prototype.
- Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation (2016): Awarded by the Royal Academy of Engineering.
A Vision for Frugal Innovation
Arthur Zang is often cited as a leader in “frugal innovation”—the ability to create high-quality solutions using limited resources. Rather than waiting for a massive hospital expansion, he used the tools already available (mobile networks and tablets) to decentralize healthcare. Today, his work serves as a blueprint for young Cameroonian and African engineers looking to solve local problems with global-standard technology.
